The Trump administration announced on Aug. 20 it is imposing sanctions on four officials with the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing their alleged actions against Israeli and American nationals.
The U.S. Treasury and State Department sanctioned Nicolas Yann Guillou of France, Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji, Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal, and Kimberly Prost of Canada.
“The United States has been clear and steadfast in our opposition to the ICC’s politicization, abuse of power, disregard for our national sovereignty, and illegitimate judicial overreach," Rubio said.
"The Court is a national security threat that has been an instrument for lawfare against the United States and our close ally Israel.
"I urge countries that still support the ICC, many of whose freedom was purchased at the price of great American sacrifices, to resist the claims of this bankrupt institution," Rubio added.
United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric told media outlets that the ICC has the full support of the world body to carry out its work. The UN is “very concerned” about the U.S. continuing to target the international court, he said.
“We firmly believe that the ICC is a key pillar of international criminal justice, and we respect their work,” he added.
ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli defense chief Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim al-Masri last November for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict.
In March 2020, prosecutors opened an investigation in Afghanistan that included alleged crimes by U.S. troops. Since 2021, however, it has deprioritized the role of the United States and focused on alleged crimes committed by the Afghan government and Taliban forces.
The ICC, which was established in 2002, has international jurisdiction to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in its 125 member states or if a situation is referred by the United Nations Security Council.
Some countries do not recognize its authority, including Israel, the United States, China, and Russia, and others.
The Trump administration has imposed penalties on the ICC’s former chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, who stepped down in May amid allegations about sexual misconduct. Several other tribunal judges have also been sanctioned so far this year.
During Trump’s first term, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on the ICC that were rescinded by President Joe Biden’s administration in early 2021.
The Epoch Times contacted the ICC for comment on Wednesday.